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The Frontrunner
Our brains are designed to protect our bodies. Russ Clayton is a distance runner who wants to learn how to ignore his brain. Clayton hears about Brad Coy, once the fastest marathoner on the planet. But, thirty years ago Coy lost a gold medal to a doper, Yuri Grimlov. Now he is a recluse living in New Mexico and, instead of trying for medals, Coy has tried to learn how to ignore his brain. Some say he succeeded and shattered world records, running naked across the desert with a shaman and racing animals. To learn Coy’s secrets, Clayton must give up everything he knows and loves. Across the globe, the Russians want to prove they have the best distance runners in the world who do not dope. They charge Grimlov with the job. If he fails, it’s the Gulag. Grimlov picks identical twins to train and secretly dopes one but not the other. But, under the skin, the brothers are nothing alike. When one twin learns of Grimlov’s plan, that discovery tests the bounds of his love. Whether champions are made by science, cheaters or those who can transcend their brain is decided when Russ and the Twins face off.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published April 9, 2024
8 people are currently reading
2582 people want to read
About the author
Brad Fawley
1 book22 followersAuthor of The Frontrunner - a novel, released by Green Writers Press in April, 2024.
Brad Fawley was born in 1954 in the heart of the baby boom, and the events of that generation have shaped who he is. Brad graduated from Marietta College in 1977 with a degree in Biology and every school record for distance running. He was a two time small college NCAA All-American at 5000 meters and cross country. He then earned a Master's Degree in Oceanography from Old Dominion University before attending the University of Virginia School of Law. Brad has been a litigation attorney since 1983 and tried cases throughout the United States. He also holds three US and one Chinese patent for automotive technology.
"When I was a kid, I got it in my head that I would read every book in the town library, starting with the first book to the left of the front door and work my way to the end."
Early influences include Ray Bradbury, Sinclair Lewis and Willa Cather. "But the idea of writing my own stories came from discovering the Beat writers - especially Kerouac, and Camus. My favorite author is Cormac McCarthy and my favorite novel is his 'Suttree.' I also love the story teller in John Updike. Currently, I have been working my way through James Salter, searching for his stunning gemstone sentences that, unfortunately, are sometimes clouded by puzzling word and tense choices. And, I am in awe of Ocean Vuong's masterpiece, 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous.'
More about Brad can be found on his author's website at https://www.bradfawley.com/
Brad Fawley was born in 1954 in the heart of the baby boom, and the events of that generation have shaped who he is. Brad graduated from Marietta College in 1977 with a degree in Biology and every school record for distance running. He was a two time small college NCAA All-American at 5000 meters and cross country. He then earned a Master's Degree in Oceanography from Old Dominion University before attending the University of Virginia School of Law. Brad has been a litigation attorney since 1983 and tried cases throughout the United States. He also holds three US and one Chinese patent for automotive technology.
"When I was a kid, I got it in my head that I would read every book in the town library, starting with the first book to the left of the front door and work my way to the end."
Early influences include Ray Bradbury, Sinclair Lewis and Willa Cather. "But the idea of writing my own stories came from discovering the Beat writers - especially Kerouac, and Camus. My favorite author is Cormac McCarthy and my favorite novel is his 'Suttree.' I also love the story teller in John Updike. Currently, I have been working my way through James Salter, searching for his stunning gemstone sentences that, unfortunately, are sometimes clouded by puzzling word and tense choices. And, I am in awe of Ocean Vuong's masterpiece, 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous.'
More about Brad can be found on his author's website at https://www.bradfawley.com/
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 28, 2025
Easy five! Anyone who reads a lot, invariably, stumbles on an obscure bit of writing, that seems to hit one’s, ever changing, emotional, or mental, or even physical need, in that moment. Probably why I have such a long list, of “the best books I’ve ever read”. At the time I read them, they were, or continue to be, just that. I can’t even remember all of them, but like this one, each of them landed perfectly in my personal area of need. Some of them inspiring, others brought emotional release, or comfort, or joy, or any number of reactions. This is why books are magical, and why reading is so cathartic. What one reader finds to be perfection, another finds to be unreadable. For me, for now, until the next one, this is the newest, best book I’ve ever read. May not be for you, but that’s ok. I’m sure you have your own list.
June 4, 2024
I couldn't put the book down. I had to keep going, definitely a "just one more page". The story is about real life. The author describes the inner depths of running and brings it to life, the words that I'm not sure I could have. One does not have to be a runner to relate to the soul of this book. I laughed, I cried, and I shook my head with "yes" to so much. There's a blend of history mixed into the story, that does make one wonder "what if..." I hope there's a second book!
April 24, 2024
I'm not a runner. This book could change that- doubtful - but what I'm sure of is I will long remember the journey it took me on. It's a lovely story to follow, of transformation and growth that comes through dealing with loss and challenges we all recognize. Family, love and heartbreak, fear and doubt, triumph great and small....Fawley avoids cliche while hitting a tone that resonates deeply. I know I'll be returning to passages that had me reading them out loud to my wife. Inspiring stuff to this layman. At it's heart, it seems a novel about the relationships in our lives, including with ourselves, and how to care for them. And international competitive distance running at the highest level...run to read this one.
June 11, 2024
What a great read!!! Author really creates a well run narrative and engages reader through his knowledge of running. Wish I had this book to go alongside my worn copy of Once A Runner to motivate during High School cross country seasons.
October 17, 2025
when I started the book, I was not sure I would be able to finish it. It didn't grab me right off the bat, but then, before I even realized it, I was hooked. I only purchased it because I went to the same college as the author (not at the same time). All that being said, I very much enjoyed it.
The main story is centered around running, but I don't believe you need a love of running to enjoy this book.
The main story is centered around running, but I don't believe you need a love of running to enjoy this book.
May 9, 2024
Wonderful book. Extremely entertaining. Highly recommended.
August 10, 2024
This book. I am not a runner but I am a gym rat. For me this book helped me identify the why behind working to achieve something. I loved the approach the author took. It felt fresh and new, hard to find this day.
January 26, 2024
The review
Within every compelling story, fictional or otherwise, the author almost always must develop the antagonist character — the bad guy. Two recent running novels find the authors making the Russians out to be the bad guys including in the novel, The Frontrunner by Brad Fawley.
Why not? As Oscar Wilde taught us in the Decay of Lying in 1891, life imitates art. For example, the beauty of fog was first depicted by a landscape painter using oil on canvas. Only then did we appreciate the beauty of the gray, low-hanging shroud that dampens sound, skews our vision, and sometimes makes our bones go rattly cold. The story here paints some of the picture — but just a glimpse — of life as an athlete in Russia.
https://athleticsillustrated.com/book...
August 22, 2024
A book to keep that Olympic torch lit
The Paris Olympics may be over but there’s an easy way to recreate the action on the track. Just pick up Brad Fawley’s The Frontrunner. Runner or not, you will be hooked from the first page and find it hard to put this book down.
There are a few things this book is not. If you are a runner, don’t expect it to unlock the secrets of running a PR. Don’t think the book will tell you how to carbo load for your first marathon. But what The Frontrunner will do is serve as a reminder of why you continue to lace up the shoes, for the pure joy that running brings to your life.
The novel is a heart-warming coming of age story of a teen-age Russ Clayton in a small Kansas town. Haunted by a mother he never knew, Russ finds solace in literally running errands for the kind-hearted woman at the local Rexall drugstore. Slowly and methodically you are introduced to a big cast of characters, from Russ’dad to the owner of a garage where his dad works. The owner’s glory days as a runner are over, courtesy of a leg lost in the war. But he is the one to keep pushing Russ to pursue his dreams.
The plot has more twists and turns than four laps around an oval track. For some romantic flair there is the long-legged red-headed high jumper Russ meets at the University of Oregon. And then the coach who does his best to squash Russ’ Olympic dreams. To get Russ off his back the coach finally directs him to a recluse living in the New Mexican desert who convinces him to throw away everything he ever thought he knew about running fast.
And then there are the Russians. A former champion runner, his own reputation tarnished by doping charges, is responsible for restoring the good name of the country’s distance runners. His prize pupils are twin boys, separated from their parents at a young age. Inevitably the lives of the boys intersect on the track with that of Russ Clayton. Add to the plot a mysterious birthmark on the face of one of the twins and you have a rip-roaring story that will keep you up at night.
The Paris Olympics may be over but there’s an easy way to recreate the action on the track. Just pick up Brad Fawley’s The Frontrunner. Runner or not, you will be hooked from the first page and find it hard to put this book down.
There are a few things this book is not. If you are a runner, don’t expect it to unlock the secrets of running a PR. Don’t think the book will tell you how to carbo load for your first marathon. But what The Frontrunner will do is serve as a reminder of why you continue to lace up the shoes, for the pure joy that running brings to your life.
The novel is a heart-warming coming of age story of a teen-age Russ Clayton in a small Kansas town. Haunted by a mother he never knew, Russ finds solace in literally running errands for the kind-hearted woman at the local Rexall drugstore. Slowly and methodically you are introduced to a big cast of characters, from Russ’dad to the owner of a garage where his dad works. The owner’s glory days as a runner are over, courtesy of a leg lost in the war. But he is the one to keep pushing Russ to pursue his dreams.
The plot has more twists and turns than four laps around an oval track. For some romantic flair there is the long-legged red-headed high jumper Russ meets at the University of Oregon. And then the coach who does his best to squash Russ’ Olympic dreams. To get Russ off his back the coach finally directs him to a recluse living in the New Mexican desert who convinces him to throw away everything he ever thought he knew about running fast.
And then there are the Russians. A former champion runner, his own reputation tarnished by doping charges, is responsible for restoring the good name of the country’s distance runners. His prize pupils are twin boys, separated from their parents at a young age. Inevitably the lives of the boys intersect on the track with that of Russ Clayton. Add to the plot a mysterious birthmark on the face of one of the twins and you have a rip-roaring story that will keep you up at night.
July 20, 2024
The Frontrunner is a book that came out of nowhere to surprise me.
Reading the book jacket, I was worried initially that it would turn out to be a longer, more modern version of Once a Runner - which is probably my favorite running book of all time. It's the book I go back to every single time I want to be inspired to run.
And The Frontrunner had all the hallmarks of the same story - young kid from nowhere loses everything, finds himself a crazy coach, and then goes on to attempt the impossible.
But the story itself was quite different. We meet small town Russ - who's school doesn't even have a track team. And Sergei and Mishka Pushkin - Russian twins coached by a Rasputin-like coach. And a host of supporting characters in between. Inevitably, the story winds it's way from Kansas to Oregon to a fictional Olympics in Helsinki.
With a lot of tears and surprises along the way. The end took me completely by surprise.
Reading the book jacket, I was worried initially that it would turn out to be a longer, more modern version of Once a Runner - which is probably my favorite running book of all time. It's the book I go back to every single time I want to be inspired to run.
And The Frontrunner had all the hallmarks of the same story - young kid from nowhere loses everything, finds himself a crazy coach, and then goes on to attempt the impossible.
But the story itself was quite different. We meet small town Russ - who's school doesn't even have a track team. And Sergei and Mishka Pushkin - Russian twins coached by a Rasputin-like coach. And a host of supporting characters in between. Inevitably, the story winds it's way from Kansas to Oregon to a fictional Olympics in Helsinki.
With a lot of tears and surprises along the way. The end took me completely by surprise.
November 18, 2025
"The Frontrunner" by Brad Fawley is an inspiring novel that delves into the life of its protagonist, Russ Clayton, a runner with an unrelenting passion for the sport. I happened upon the author and book at a recent marathon. Once I started reading the book, I found it difficult to put down.
In my opinion, the novel’s most compelling sections are those that delve into Russ’s relentless pursuit to find himself as well as his limits. Russ’s journey is not just physical but deeply emotional and psychological. Fawley dives into the protagonist’s internal battles, exploring the doubts, fears, and triumphs that accompany his pursuit. Russ’s unwavering determination to push his limits is inspiring and showcases the resilience required to excel not just in running but in any endeavor. Fawley’s portrayal of Russ’s highs and lows, from the exhilaration of winning races to the despair of personal losses, resonates deeply with anyone who has ever chased a dream.
In my opinion, the novel’s most compelling sections are those that delve into Russ’s relentless pursuit to find himself as well as his limits. Russ’s journey is not just physical but deeply emotional and psychological. Fawley dives into the protagonist’s internal battles, exploring the doubts, fears, and triumphs that accompany his pursuit. Russ’s unwavering determination to push his limits is inspiring and showcases the resilience required to excel not just in running but in any endeavor. Fawley’s portrayal of Russ’s highs and lows, from the exhilaration of winning races to the despair of personal losses, resonates deeply with anyone who has ever chased a dream.
February 16, 2026
This novel is an intellectually gripping exploration of endurance, identity, and the limits of human potential. What initially appears to be a story about distance running quickly evolves into a profound examination of the mind-body relationship. The contrast between Russ Clayton’s quest to “ignore” his brain and Brad Coy’s radical philosophy of transcendence adds a philosophical depth that elevates the narrative beyond a typical sports thriller.
The parallel storyline involving Yuri Grimlov and the identical twins is particularly compelling.
The parallel storyline involving Yuri Grimlov and the identical twins is particularly compelling.
March 30, 2024
What I love about The Front Runner is that it’s an amazing story of perseverance, finding yourself, and the relationship between father and son, it’s not just about running. Although it’s incredibly relatable for athletes, anyone can enjoy this page turner. Seriously, I have very little free time as I have a six month old baby, but I found the time to read this book. It’s that good! I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
May 13, 2024
Just finished The Frontrunner. What a story! The characters are compelling, th storyline is absolutely perfect and the description of highly-trained athletes’ physical and mental training is spot on. This is a page-turner that, like its protagonist, has both speed and depth. It’s a story about running, yes. But it’s really about life.
March 25, 2025
If you’ve ever raced, or competed in any physical challenge, you will appreciate this story. The boundary of will over pain can be moved up, but not without sacrifice. Only the most dedicated, and maybe a little bit crazy, can get there.
Some great race scenes and, although somewhat far fetched, a fun read.
Some great race scenes and, although somewhat far fetched, a fun read.
March 29, 2024
Awesome story. Anyone, but especially runners, will enjoy this book. I enjoyed it so much, I had to go back and read it a second time. The protagonist, Russ, changes his life and those around him in profound ways. I hope this story is eventually developed into a movie. It's that good.
March 30, 2024
The Frontrunner is a page turner! I don’t read many books but my goodness this was a great read! Brad does a incredible job of bringing you into the storyline and makes you feel you are right there! It doesn’t matter if your a runner or not The Frontrunner is a book for anyone!
Dick Beardsley
Dick Beardsley
August 11, 2024
Beautifully written! At times heartbreaking. Motivational and eye opening to getting to know your true self. In life as well as running. Gives me ideas going forward and improving my running in the future and changing some of the ways that I approach running in general fabulous book everybody should read it runners everybody!!!
November 2, 2024
I really liked this book. The author described the races so you thot you were there and the ending was satisfying and different.
November 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Finished listening to the last few hours on my 100 miler.
August 27, 2025
great book, whether you are a runner or not
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book Brad, couldn’t put it down. Hope you have a sequel in mind! Hope you are well
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book Brad, couldn’t put it down. Hope you have a sequel in mind! Hope you are well
August 3, 2024
I enjoyed the book, I haven’t read much running fiction, is there much. But has a runner I do read about running. Overall, I liked the characters and way the story intertwined real life events into the story. Even non-runners could enjoy it.
April 24, 2024
The Frontrunner has superb storytelling from inside the mind of an elite runner ... a page turner!
Personally, I loved this book, the running imagery and details are great, the love, defeats, failure, cheating, drama ... make it a page-turner!
Travel across continents, from small towns to the Olympic stage ...
With heartbreaking stories of loss and love with a view to what it takes to find one's limits and pursue one's passion, it is part love story/stories and full thriller.
The author Brad was a highly accomplished runner himself and he takes you inside the mind and psyche of a runner pushing himself to his limit.
Don't walk - RUN! and get the Frontrunner :-)
Personally, I loved this book, the running imagery and details are great, the love, defeats, failure, cheating, drama ... make it a page-turner!
Travel across continents, from small towns to the Olympic stage ...
With heartbreaking stories of loss and love with a view to what it takes to find one's limits and pursue one's passion, it is part love story/stories and full thriller.
The author Brad was a highly accomplished runner himself and he takes you inside the mind and psyche of a runner pushing himself to his limit.
Don't walk - RUN! and get the Frontrunner :-)
July 26, 2025
I discovered Front Runner while searching for something in the same spirit as John L. Parker’s Once a Runner—a story that captures not just the physical demands of elite training but the mental intensity behind it. Brad Fawley delivered on that front and more. I really enjoyed the level of detail around the training approach, especially how much of it focused on the mental side of performance—not just mileage and intervals, but mindset.
What caught me off guard were the plot twists. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story turned in unexpected directions, keeping the pacing sharp and the characters layered.
If you’re someone who loves stories where running is the backdrop for something deeper—ambition, identity, resilience—Front Runner is worth the read. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
What caught me off guard were the plot twists. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story turned in unexpected directions, keeping the pacing sharp and the characters layered.
If you’re someone who loves stories where running is the backdrop for something deeper—ambition, identity, resilience—Front Runner is worth the read. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 20, 2024
Exciting, Insightful, Awesome Read!
The Frontrunner is an insightful page-turner about a young runner who is determined to find out just how far he can go. Russ Clayton is dedicated to pursuing his dream to become the best. With hard work and determination, and despite set backs and loss, Russ Clayton takes us on the run of his life, through all of his trials and tribulations, meetings with himself, and interactions with wise characters who impart their wisdom. I was pulling for him every step of the way. Couldn't put this amazing book down! A journey for all those who aspire to be the best they can be, whether you're a runner or not.
The Frontrunner is an insightful page-turner about a young runner who is determined to find out just how far he can go. Russ Clayton is dedicated to pursuing his dream to become the best. With hard work and determination, and despite set backs and loss, Russ Clayton takes us on the run of his life, through all of his trials and tribulations, meetings with himself, and interactions with wise characters who impart their wisdom. I was pulling for him every step of the way. Couldn't put this amazing book down! A journey for all those who aspire to be the best they can be, whether you're a runner or not.
December 24, 2024
Loved this book! I read it during a hard training season/cycle. Found it very relatable and motivating. Well written.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews